Australian Life is one of the nation’s biggest photography prizes.

Take an intimate journey through contrasting scenes of community, curiosity and yearning with this year’s Australian Life photography prize finalists.

From intimate portraits to larger-than-life spectacles, these 28 images encapsulate Australia’s unique personality.

Every image demands a response, and some may linger in your mind beyond leaving them.

Young love, struggle, ordinary activities, quiet reflections, and renewed vitality – these documented moments represent a multitude of stories that make up Australian Life.

About Australian Life

For more than 15 years, amateur and professional photographers have sent in their epic and intimate images of Australia. The finalists, and the $10,000 grand prize winner, were chosen by a panel of professional photographers, artists, and curators.

The City of Sydney produces Australian Life as part of Art & About Sydney, an ongoing program of temporary art projects in unusual spaces.

See all the finalists and grand prize winner in the online gallery. You can also vote for your favourite image in the people’s choice award.

2023 Finalists

• Theodore Miller
• Chris Round
• Adrian Plitzco
• Jamie James
• Robert Knapman
• Grace Lillia Faith Taranto-Jones
• Zorica Purlija
• Richard Hughes
• Samuel Ferris
• Jaiver Alexis Rendon Diaz
• Louise Kennerley
• m ellen burns
• Francis Macindoe
• Trent Mitchell
• Missa Williams
• Neil Bailey
• Gang Jian
• Guy Wilkinson
• Jasmine Poole
• Mridula Amin
• Edwina Pickles
• Dion Georgopoulos
• Josh Robenstone
• Paul Consolacion
• Glenn Homann
• Emma Perry
• Lisa Hogben
• Bel Macedone

From 14 September, the Australian Life will be exhibited on Alfred Street in Circular Quay.

The peoples choice award voting opens on Thursday 14 September, and closes on Sunday 1 October. The winner will be announced on Thursday 5 October.

The photographer who receives the most votes will receive an OM System professional pack valued at over $2,300.